1 week ago
India's Nuclear Utilities Choose Local Reactors to Speed Projects
India wants to build many more nuclear power plants.
Private companies can now take part in building them.
Several companies plan to start with reactors designed and made in India.
These reactors produce 700 megawatts of electricity each.
The companies say using a familiar design and local suppliers may help projects move faster.
India currently gets about 3% of its electricity from nuclear power.
The government wants nuclear capacity to reach 100 gigawatts by 2047.
Companies are also considering some foreign reactor technologies.
The goal is to produce more electricity and help reduce dependence on coal.
Adani Group, Jindal Steel Ltd. and NTPC Ltd. plan to initially use locally designed 700-megawatt pressurised heavy water reactors.
Companies say domestic reactor technology could reduce regulatory delays and rely on an established Indian supply chain.
India opened its nuclear sector to private companies as it targets 100 gigawatts of capacity by 2047.
Jindal Steel is targeting 18 gigawatts and NTPC is targeting 30 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047.
Nuclear power currently provides about 3% of India's electricity, while the sector has faced construction delays and cost overruns.
- Who
- Adani Group, Jindal Steel Ltd., NTPC Ltd. and other potential private-sector participants in India's nuclear industry.
- What
- Domestic utilities plan to initially deploy locally designed 700-megawatt pressurised heavy water reactors, while some companies explore foreign technologies.
- Where
- India, including projects discussed for Maharashtra and the BNEF Summit in New Delhi.
- When
- The plans were reported on August 22, 2026; the government issued draft private-sector nuclear rules earlier that month, and Prime Minister Modi discussed a six-to-seven-year reactor goal on August 15.
- Why
- Companies say domestic designs could help avoid regulatory and construction delays, reduce cost risks, use established local supply chains and support India's expansion and decarbonisation goals.
Key facts
- Current nuclear share
- Nuclear power supplies about 3% of India's electricity.
- Current operating capacity
- The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. operates India's entire 8.8 gigawatts of atomic capacity.
- National target
- India aims to expand nuclear generation capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047.
- Standard domestic design
- The 700-megawatt pressurised heavy water reactor is described as standardised and operational in India.
- Jindal Steel target
- Jindal Steel is targeting 18 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047.
- NTPC target
- NTPC is targeting 30 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047.
- Private-sector rules
- The Department of Atomic Energy issued draft rules for private companies to build nuclear plants earlier in August 2026.
Quotes
Vivek Sharma
Business head at Adani Atomic Energy
“In India we have the advantage of a 700 megawatt design that’s already standardised and operational”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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